Planning Your Wedding Abroad

Planning your wedding abroad

So this is where your journey begins… let’s start planning your wedding abroad!

Initially, the prospect of planning a wedding abroad may appear slightly daunting and there may be times along the way when you wonder what you’re getting yourselves into! I can’t promise it will all be smooth sailing but I know from personal experience it’s not nearly as difficult to get married abroad as you may first believe.

With a little bit of research and careful planning, you will be able to create a wedding that is unique, a wedding that is distinctive, a wedding that surpasses all your expectations and is talked about and remembered by your guests for years to come.

When getting married abroad, your wedding often becomes more than just one day. Many couples make the most of having all their guests in the one location and carry their wedding celebrations over a number of days.

Here are a few tips when you decide to plan your wedding abroad:

The first thing you need when planning a wedding abroad is to hire a wedding planner. Find out who organises weddings in your chosen destination and ask them about the different types of service they offer when, and talk about how much you have to spend before you start planning a wedding abroad. Find out if they will handle all the legal elements for you. They should be able to liaise with local suppliers and get you the best deals. Ask for references and photos of their work.

Secondly, don’t even think about planning a wedding abroad until you have actually visited that destination. If your budget allows, make a preliminary visit to the place where you’re hoping to marry. Meet up with your planner and visit the suggested ceremony and reception venues. Meet suppliers, too, where possible. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to take your own hairdresser and make-up artist with you, so find out who will be doing your hair and make-up on the day and ask for a trial

When you’re planning a wedding abroad you need to check the period of time you have to be present in the country before you can get married. Some countries require you to have visas, and it is your responsibility to get these. For the most up-to-date information contact the relevant embassy. In some countries, you’ll also have to wait for the documents to be translated. Check with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for more information.

Try to avoid arriving a day before the wedding. Allow at least four days to visit the local Public Register Office if needed. This will also give you time to sort out any last-minute changes.

When it comes to choosing a wedding dress for a wedding abroad, you need to think the climate you’re marrying in. If it’s a hot country, avoid heavy fabrics like satin. Lightweight chiffons and tulles will look amazing and keep you cool at the same time. Also, consider how you will transport your wedding dress. Most brides like to take it in the hold of the plane with them in case their luggage gets lost or delayed. The same goes for jewellery, and especially your wedding rings.